Getting the perfect shoe for the office is an investment to the overall health of your feet. Having the wrong pair of shoes comes with a lot of negative effects on the body from neck strains and strenuous backaches.

The modern woman is constantly faced with the dilemma of either following fashion trends or adorning footwear that is safe and comfortable in the workplace.

Fashion in the 21st century is quite interesting. Shoe designers have made a canvas of people’s feet to express their creativity. Some designs in the market are delightful while others are just meant for the runway.

Choosing the right shoe for the office can be a daunting experience. No one wants to get stuck for 8 hours at work with a shoe that is pinching the toe. The best shoe for work must meet the below attributes;

Comfort. There is nothing more blissful than a perfectly fitting shoe. With comfort comes to support for the entire body as you move about. Different feet shapes call for different shoe preferences.

No one foot is similar to another as foot types are generic or at times as a result of imbalances and stress put on the body. Flat-footed individuals will tend to opt for more flats and sneaker-like shoes. These shoes maintain the foot’s form due to the contoured footbed and shock-absorbing rubber.

Style. Your workplace will be a determining factor in the particular style you choose for the office. A lady waiting for tables at Starbucks coffee is less likely to wear 6-inch stilettos at work.

However, the same lady working at Saks Fifth Avenue will easily wear some Gucci slippers to work to attract a particular clientele.

Grip. You are on your feet the majority of the time while at work. It’s therefore essential to wear shoes that have a strong grip.  Hotels and industries have slippery surfaces require shoes that are attached to the ground.

Slip resistance is paramount to these workplaces and many employees will be seen wearing boots with grippy soles.

Durability. No employer or employee wants to constantly be at the stores in pursuit of new shoes for work. People always look for shoes with authentic supple leather and reinforced heels.

A good quality shoe made by a reputable manufacturer should give one month of service if not more.

Given all this, take heed of the tips below as you pick out the perfect shoe size for the workplace;

• Make sure you know your shoe size

Most people know their exact shoe size, however, there a few of us in the dark. You can easily check your size at home by standing barefoot on a piece of paper or cardboard and trace the shape of each foot.

This trace can be used to compare with the actual shoe at the store. If you are already at the store, there are shoe size charts that can assist you in estimating your size. While fitting, give a 0.5cm allowance to allow room of movement when walking.

• The time of day for fitting

Unknown to most, the size of your feet varies in size and shape depending on the time of day. During the summer when it’s hot, your feet tend to swell.

In such a time, it's best to purchase shoes in the evening and maybe take a short jog so that your feet reach maximum temperature before trying on shoes.

• Try the shoes in both feet

Many buyers make a grievous mistake of only trying one shoe as opposed to both. Your feet are never of the same shape or length. Right-handed people have a larger right foot and vice versa is true.

Take into account also that shoes expand over time of wear. Hence you should be open-minded when fitting. When you try it one and its feel perfect, take it!

• A flexible shoe sole is a must

When you are sure that the size of the shoe is correct, turn your attention to the design and texture of the shoe.

An ideal shoe should be able to bend as you walk. Do the bending test at the shoe store to make sure your walk is seamless. If you bend a shoe and the sole makes a V shape then the shoe is 100% flexible.